August Sales Fell in Germany, U.K.

New car registration declined last month in Germany and the U.K. compared to unusually inflated year-earlier volumes.

Demand a year ago was inflated by carmakers rushing to sell off vehicles that would become ineligible for sale under new WLTP rules that took effect on Sept. 1.

Germany, year-on-year sales slipped only 1% to 313,700 units, says KBA, the country’s motor transport authority.

Deliveries of diesel-powered passenger vehicles fell 8% to a 30% share of the German market. Demand for all-electric cars doubled to capture nearly 2% of sales. By brand, August sales rose 22% for Mercedes but fell 3% for BMW and 17% for Volkswagen.

In the U.K., volume slipped 2% to 92,600 last month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Sales dropped 12% for diesels, reducing their market share to 26^. All-electric vehicles captured 3% of the British market.